AOBA - Japanese

As always, I would like to encourage others to patronize AOBA - Japanese Steak and Sushi.

It's the only dedicated kosher Japanese restaurant in South Florida, and I would hate to see it go.

Although Tani Guchi was better at preparing some dishes - namely teriyaki - they do a good job and have a nicer environment - IMHO. And, of course, there's always the hibachi!

Since the New Year, they've offered an all-you-can-eat menu with a wide selection. I tried it once, but found it to be too much....  If you do order it, be aware that they will charge extra for any leftovers, so it's better just to order as needed.

Itedakemasu!

Aoba Japanese Steak House and Sushi Restaurant
13185 Biscyane Blvd.
North Miami
305-893-6266

Supervision: NK

Chosen Voyage - All kosher cruises

I have not sailed with this group, but their offerings always look interesting.

Currently they're promoting trips to Alaska/Russia, and the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

http://www.chosenvoyage.com/

Happy sailing!

Kosher Hotel - Austria (Hinterglemm)

As many of you may have heard, there's a delightful hotel - 2 in fact - that 's under kosher supervision during the summer months; actually, they had a Chanukah program this winter.

The Blumenhotels are run by the Sommerbichler Family - an interesting story in itself.

The four-star Tirolerhof and the three-star Knappenhof offer kosher half-board in the summer months - usually Shavuous 'til Succos, though offered a Chanukah/Ski week in 2004. There are also apartments available.

http://www.kosher-hotel.at/

I stayed for a week in 2003 during its first season; in fact, they told me that I'd been the first to book for the new kosher program.

It was WUNDERBAR!

The hotels are situated in the small village of Hinterglemm - approx. an hour south of Salzburg - which lies in a picturesque valley (see web site). I actually thought that I might have an accident while driving as it was so mouth-dropingly beautiful.

The Sommerbichler Family could not have been more hospitable. Of course, they had a lot of learning to do, dealing with a kosher clientele and vendors. At the time, the rate was an unbelievable $80 per day - meals included; although they've gone up a bit, it's still an incredible bargain - IMHO.

The meals consisted of a huge buffet for breakfast - cheese, rolls, cereals, eggs, etc., and dinner - four courses with choice of entree; Shabbos was out of control! The food was all very good, and included local specialties (Sacher Torte!) At the time, the management was allowing guests to make sandwiches for lunch. In addition, there was a small "market" set up with kosher products for sale - mainly from Israel.

The two hotels are located directly across from each other - on either side of the main road, and a stream - and there's even an Eruv surrounding the properties! The Tirolerhoff includes a spa (sauna, steam, pool, massage) but guests of the Knappenof are also welcome to make use of the spa facilities, including a mikvah for men. And there's a beis medrash.

When I was there - post Tisha b'Av - there were three minyanim for Shacharis during the week.

Caveat - Europe goes on holiday in August; this holds true for frum families as well. When I was there in August, 2003, there were over 200 Jews in the village (can you imagine?) with their families...

If you're looking for peace and quite, go BEFORE Tisha b'Av!

Still, it was a wonderful experience. So, check it out! There are more wonderful day trips than a week will allow.

(I'll be there again the week of July 24, 2005, if you happen to be in the neighborhood.)

Restaurant Juliette - Miami, Florida (Surfside)

After much anticipation, Restaurant Juliette - the famed Parisian establishment - finally opened in January, 2005.

Juliette
9472 Harding Ave.
Surfside FL 33154
305-865-1595


Nice, modern, sparse decor - think a dark Cine Citta.

Expensive! I don't think that there were any entrees under $30; perhaps the chicken. (Dinner for two was $176 (service compris), w/only one glass of wine and one bottle of water.)

I started with the Roasted Vegetable Millefeuille which was very good, but if I recall correctly...$20!

Then the Pepper Steak - Medium. It didn't compare to Le Marais' - a bit tough and not as flavorful, and was served Medium-Rare, but as I like it any way... It was covered with an artichoke puree - not sure why. The accompanying fries were very good. No greens as at Le Marais.

The house Cabernet was very nice, as was the bottled Norwegian water.

I split the chocolate cake w/fondant center; neither bad nor memorable, certainly no where near what Baraka used to serve.

Table cloth had a rip and my original water glass was a bit smudged - this one week after opening...

There is a less expensive sushi menu that I'm told is decent.

So, all in all, not a bad experience, but I'll stick to Le Marais; too bad that it's in N.Y..

Kosher Hotel - Mid-town Manhattan

Check out this hotel if you need en-suite catering during a stay in N.Y.:

Totally Jewish Travel - Jewish Travel & Kosher Travel at one destination